Queen Elizabeth Favors Meghan Markle? Royal Experts, Confidantes Explain Why
Britain's Queen Elizabeth believes in upholding traditions and normally shuns deviations to royal protocols. It appears lately, however, that she's making adjustments for Meghan Markle, who will soon become her grandson Prince Harry's wife.
The Queen recently included Markle in the annual family pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. The "Suits" star will also join the royals in the Queen's Sandringham home on Christmas day.
Does the Queen favor the American actress enough to make these changes? Is Markle's status as a biracial American divorcee no longer a big deal with the royals?
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Prince William's wife Kate Middleton was not at family Christmas gatherings until she officially became the Duchess of Cambridge by marriage. A royal expert explains why Markle's acceptance into the family seems easier compared to other "outsiders" and commoners who are now the Queen's in-laws.
"It's her age," author Ingrid Seward, who wrote books about the royal family, told People. "She is easier-going. It's refreshing that [the royal family] is prepared to bend a bit."
A family insider also proclaimed that the royals are "more enlightened" now than before. It's an indication of how much the royals, with the Queen's lead, are willing to embrace a progressive society or do away with some traditions that could hurt change.
The Queen won't likely explicitly state her fondness for Markle but action speaks louder than words. After all, Prince Harry needed to get his grandmother's blessing before he proposed.
Markle met the Queen months before the couple announced the engagement. They had tea at her Balmoral castle in September and according to Prince Harry, that first meeting went along smoothly.
"She is delighted to have Harry bring his fiancée," a source revealed. "It is a family occasion, after all, and Meghan is very much family now."
Prince Harry and Markle will exchange marital vows on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the St. George Chapel in Windsor Castle.
